Iran imposes strict laws on Hijab, death penalty for offenders

Iran has implemented stringent laws for women who refuse to wear the hijab or fail to comply with the dress code. The new legislation aims to promote a ‘culture of chastity and hijab’ and imposes severe penalties for ‘improper dressing,’ promoting nudity, or opposing the hijab.

Under the new law, offenders can face fines or long prison sentences as outlined in Article 60. Repeated violators may face the death penalty or up to 15 years in prison under the charge of “corruption on earth.”

Additionally, anyone attempting to interfere with the arrest or harassment of women defying the law could face imprisonment or fines.

Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the hijab became mandatory for all women by the order of Ayatollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. 

As of April 1, 2023, Iranian authorities, including the Interior Ministry and the head of the judiciary, had taken a firm stance on the enforcement of mandatory hijab, promising “no retreat or tolerance.” 

Following protests in 2023 against the hijab law, the measures have become even stricter, with plans to use surveillance to monitor women in public who are not wearing the hijab. Offenders will face punishments such as having their mobile phones and internet connections cut off. Police and judicial authorities are tasked with collecting evidence and identifying violators.

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